Roncalli survives late onslaught in curtain raiser

Roncalli's First XV rugby team achieved their dream at AMI Stadium in Christchurch last night, beating Rangiora High School in a nail-biter, 18-17, to grab the final spot in the Crusaders Secondary Schools Competition.

In front of a large contingent of vocal travelling supporters, Roncalli held on at the end as Rangiora threw everything at them.

For Roncalli, everyone who made it on to the paddock contributed to the victory in the encounter, which doubled as a curtain raiser to the Crusaders Super 14 game against the Sharks.

The win means they will face Timaru Boys' High School at Alpine Energy Stadium in the first round of the competition on April 24.

A stand-out for Roncalli was captain Andrew Wilkes. The open-side flanker was in everything and still making crucial tackles in referee's time at the end. He was well-supported by hooker Carisbrook Toomalatai, lock James Struthers and No8 Pofitu Fesili while big prop Garret Casey had his moments with a couple of big runs.

The inside back combination of Tom Watson and Ryan Gilbert also had their moments while Robbie Mulvena played well at fullback including a couple of try-saving tackles.

Gilbert ensured Roncalli for the most part played at the right end of the field.

For Rangiora, their No6 Nathan Goodwin almost single-handedly dashed Roncalli's hopes with a hat-trick of tries and he was easily their best while first five-eighth Ricky Allin and fullback Jeffrey Bigwood tried hard to create something every time they had the ball.

Rangiora's fortunes were not helped when their openside flanker Jed Williams was red-carded for a spear tackle in the 22nd minute, having already received a yellow for no hands in a tackle.

Their pack battled on bravely but Roncalli had the edge and didn't panic under pressure, so in the end it was a deserved win with two of Goodwin's tries against the run of play as he kept his side in the game.

Roncalli wing Daniel Dorgan got his side away to the perfect start, landing a handy penalty after two minutes.

After 12 minutes, Williams received his yellow with Roncalli hot on attack but they could not take advantage of it.

Rangiora snatched the lead 5-3 after a loose ball was toed ahead and the ball bounced up for Goodwin.

Williams then got his marching orders and Roncalli almost immediately took advantage with a good try to Mulvena after they stretched Rangiora wide.

With 30 minutes gone, Rangiora grabbed the lead against the run of play when Goodwin chased a charged down kick and they went ahead 10-8.

Roncalli first five-eighth Ryan Gilbert then made up for his earlier error with a perfectly placed cross kick that saw Lindsay Christey snap up the ball and go in.

Dorgan struck the sideline conversion perfectly for a 15-10 lead and added a penalty early in the second half to stretch the lead past seven points.

Both sides cancelled each other out until Rangiora found another gear with 10 minutes left.

Roncalli defended valiantly until Goodwin finally burrowed his way over with five minutes left and it was all on.

They held on and were ecstatic when the final whistle went.

After shaking hands with Rangiora, the Roncalli team performed a victory haka in front of their delighted schoolmates, families and friends in the stands.

Roncalli coach Peter Cockburn was delighted with his side but admitted the final five minutes of the game were nerve-racking.

"It was good team effort, everyone played their part."

- © Fairfax NZ News